Michelle Young, M.S., CCC-SLP

Describe treatment approach used: When starting therapy, we are often supporting a child who is very frustrated and has experienced a high amount of communication failure. In the beginning, our first goal is give the child the most functional and powerful words we can, as quickly as possible… starting with what he/she "can" do. This includes building early functional targets from their existing phonemic repertoire so they can experience early communication success. Next we continue to expand on building their ability to motor plan to produce words with mass practice of targets and distributed practice of these targets in naturalistic activities. This supports generalization and carry-over of the new targets. Multimodality cues, high repetition and practice of therapy targets and use simultaneous speaking are used to increase the words the child is able to say. Home program and parent involvement are critical components so that parents feel empowered to carryover words from the therapy setting and can help their child successfully communicate across settings. As part of the home program, parents typically go home with materials from the therapy session to practice the skill taught in the speech therapy session at home as well.

Describe parent/caregiver involvement: Parents are a critical and vital part of the therapy process. Unless for extenuating circumstances, parents are expected to be present and an active part of the entire therapeutic process. Parent are provided a notebook that they use during the session to write down the therapy targets addressed within that session. This notebook can be referenced between session as a reminder of targets to encourage and support at home. As part of the home program, parents typically go home with materials from the therapy session to practice the skill taught in the speech therapy session at home.

Describe your past and current involvement in the Apraxia community​?​ I find it very important to collaborate with other professionals (SLPs, OT, PT, medical staff, etc.) in our community as well all work together to support our kiddos with CAS. For example, for one of my patients, I have an ongoing collaboration relationship with the child's treating therapist at the Parish School. This year I am a sponsor for the Houston Apraxia Walk on November 4th. I hope that this opportunity will help me broden my involvement in the Apraxia community as well.

This web site is a program of the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association, the national organization representing the needs and interests of children affected by apraxia of speech.
Address: 416 Lincoln Avenue 2nd Fl., Pittsburgh, PA 15209
(412) 343-7102